Arrive at Chandigarh Airport, where our journey begins with a scenic drive to Deotha in the beautiful Banjar Valley. Please ensure you arrive in Chandigarh no later than 1:00 pm.
Trip briefiing over the dinner.
In the heart of the Himalayas lies a pretty village placed amidst the snow-capped peaks and verdant valleys, Deotha. While the world embraces modernity, Deotha continues to preserve its age-old traditions. The village is known for its vibrant cultural festivities that reflect its rich heritage. Among them, the Fagli Festival stands out as the most significant and colorful celebration.
The Fagli Festival is a traditional celebration in Himachal Pradesh, especially in the districts of Shimla, Kinnaur, and Kullu. Local communities celebrate this festival in February or March to welcome the transition from winter to spring. People also know the festival as ‘Faguli’ or ‘Fag.’
Fagli is a colorful and vibrant festival that reflects the rich culture and traditions of Himachal Pradesh. People across the region celebrate it with great enthusiasm and joy. During the festival, communities gather to perform traditional rituals, enjoy cultural performances, and take part in various communal activities. The celebration strengthens social bonds and keeps local heritage alive for future generations.
One of the highlights of the Fagli Festival is its traditional folk dances and music performances. Dancers wear colorful attire and perform vibrant routines. Folk music accompanies these performances, creating a lively atmosphere. The celebrations beautifully showcase the rich cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
This workshop focuses on getting you familiar with the various features in Adobe Lightroom that will simplify your photography workflow and hel
Chandigarh
February 12, 2027
February 17, 2027
Suitable for the mountains
INR 65,450 / Per Person
Trip Start from Chandigrah
Transportation during the tour.
Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis in Deotha (BhigaSa)
All meals during the tour, starting with dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on last day
Photography-related services as mentioned in the itinerary.
Services of your photography mentor during the tour.
Travel to Chandigarh and return to your location.
Travel insurance and Visa related expenses
Additional food, snacks or beverages ordered.
All expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, etc.
Anything not mentioned under the Inclusions section.
Arrive at Chandigarh Airport, where our journey begins with a scenic drive to Deotha in the beautiful Banjar Valley. Please ensure you arrive in Chandigarh no later than 1:00 pm.
Trip briefiing over the dinner.
After breakfast, we will head to a nearby village to immerse ourselves in the vibrant celebrations of the Fagli Festival, photographing its colourful traditions, rituals, and festive atmosphere.
One of these days if time permits, we will drive to the foothills of Himachal Pradesh to witness and photograph the beauty of a spring sunset.
After creating colourful memories and filling our memory cards with unforgettable moments from the Fagli Festival, we will begin our drive back to Chandigarh.
Please book your onward flight after 5:00 pm to allow sufficient time for the journey.
This journey is for anyone who wishes to experience the vibrant spirit of the Fagli Festival while embracing the beauty of spring in the foothills of the Himalayas.
Designed for photographers and cultural travellers alike, the tour offers an opportunity to learn the art of creating compelling photographs of people, traditions, and festive celebrations. Beyond photography, it is an immersive experience that provides a deeper understanding of the region’s culture, heritage, and way of life.
No prior photography experience is required. Whether you are a beginner, an enthusiastic hobbyist, or an experienced photographer, our small-group approach ensures personalised guidance, practical field sessions, and one-on-one assistance throughout the journey. Even if you are not a photographer, you are welcome to join us simply to experience the festival, the landscapes, and the unique culture of the Kullu Valley.
Yes. We visit many beautiful places in the region, and having a good time during the trip is as much on the agenda as photography is. However, non-photographers should note that our itineraries are designed keeping photography in mind. We are generally slower than typical travel itineraries and don’t make a long sightseeing list.
Absolutely. This journey offers much more than photography. It is an opportunity to experience the unique way of life in remote Himalayan villages, witness the vibrant Fagli Festival, and enjoy the beauty of spring in the Kullu Valley.
Your partner is welcome to join the group and enjoy the experience alongside you. However, please note that our itineraries are designed with photography as the primary focus. We travel at a relaxed pace, spending more time at locations to make the most of the light, interactions, and cultural moments, rather than following a typical sightseeing schedule with a long list of attractions.
Please note that we do not offer separate pricing for non-photographers.
Yes. We visit many beautiful places in the region, and having a good time during the trip is as much on the agenda as photography is. However, non-photographers should note that our itineraries are designed keeping photography in mind. We are generally slower than typical travel itineraries and don’t make a long sightseeing list.
No, this is primarily a driving trip. Most of the places we go to will be reached by vehicle. But we may, depending on the needs, be doing some short-duration walking at a few places. There are no long-distance walks or full-day hikes. Nor do we have walking as a necessity to reach a destination, which means that you may opt out and rest instead of going on a walk if you feel tired. We believe that most people in reasonably good health should not have any problems with most of the activities throughout the tour. Speak to us if you have any doubts.
People who are generally fit to manage their day-to-day life independently should normally not have any problems attending this tour. People of any age group can visit as well.
However, we suggest that you check with your doctor once, especially if you are suffering any chronic illnesses like asthma, blood pressure or heart ailments.
Accommodation will be at BhigaSa, a beautifully designed boutique mountain retreat nestled in the tranquil village of Deotha, in Banjar Tehsil, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh.
Surrounded by dense forests and the soothing sounds of birdsong, BhigaSa offers a peaceful escape where nature and comfort come together. Thoughtfully designed to blend with its surroundings, it provides the perfect setting to unwind after a day of exploring and photographing the vibrant Fagli Festival.
The Fagli Festival is one of Himachal Pradesh’s most cherished traditional cultural celebrations. It marks the end of winter and welcomes the arrival of spring with rituals, folk dances, music, and community gatherings.
The festival also features a ritualistic procession of deities. Devotees carry idols of local gods and goddesses through the streets. The air fills with chanting, traditional music, and festive celebrations. People believe this sacred procession brings blessings and good fortune to the community.
Different villages celebrate the Fagli Festival in February or March according to their local traditions and calendars.
Moreover, the festival symbolizes the transition from winter to spring while helping preserve the cultural heritage, customs, and traditions of Himalayan communities.
The Fagli Festival is primarily celebrated by men, who take part in various ceremonial activities while women enjoy a more relaxed role during the festivities. PDuring the festival, participants dress in traditional attire, including dry grass skirts, colorful headgear adorned with yellow garland flowers, and distinctive wooden masks.
According to local beliefs, these wooden masks hold special significance. Additionally, some traditions suggest that speaking from behind the masks helps ward off evil spirits, adding a symbolic and spiritual dimension to the celebration.
Wooden masks are an essential part of the Fagli Festival and remain one of its most recognizable features. Men wear or carry these masks while dancing to traditional folk music and rhythmic melodies. During performances, some dancers hold the masks against their faces, while others raise them above their heads before continuing their dance movements.
Wooden masks are an essential part of the Fagli Festival and remain one of its most recognizable features. Men wear or carry these masks while dancing to traditional folk music and rhythmic melodies. During performances, some dancers hold the masks against their faces, while others raise them above their heads before continuing their dance movements.
– 25% of the tour fee is charged as a cancellation fee for cancellations earlier than 60 days before the start of a tour.
– 50% of the tour fee is charged as a cancellation fee for cancellations between 59 days and 45 days before the start of a tour.
– 80% of the tour fee is charged as a cancellation fee for cancellations between 44 days and 31 days before the start of a tour.
– No refund for cancellation within 30 days of the tour start date or for a no-show.
Cancellations have to be communicated via an email to photography@darter.in. The date of email receipt in our account will be used to apply the cancellation policy mentioned above.
Note:The itinerary is designed with a keen focus on photographing the life of Changpa People, and not centered on seeing well-known sights/places. The itinerary may be subject to change, depending on photography opportunities available, weather conditions and any other factors that may affect the journey.
*We need minimum 5 pax to run this trip.
Born and brought up in the city of Guwahati, Arpan Kalita is a Travel Documentary and Landscape Photographer whose ‘serious’ journey into the captivating realm of photography commenced in 2012. Stepping away from the conventional path, he found solace and purpose in capturing the essence of the world around him. His love affair with nature blossomed during childhood vacations spent exploring the enchanting landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, his uncle’s workplace. Each trip became a canvas of inspiration, cultivating his deep-seated appreciation for the beauty that nature and diverse cultures offer. Photography for Arpan transcended the mere act of clicking pictures; it became a sanctuary, a vessel to encapsulate his unique vision. As he ventured deep into the Himalayas, his perspective on travel underwent a remarkable transformation. The camera lens became his window to new horizons, unveiling the intricate beauty and hidden treasures of each place he visited. He has been fortunate to witness the breathtaking beauty of the world, where nature’s kindness and people’s compassionate hearts shine brightly. Yet, along with these moments of awe-inspiring beauty came challenges that fueled his determination to make a positive change. Beyond his photographic pursuit, Arpan is a dedicated photography educator, sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion for the craft with aspiring photographers. As a distinguished Canon India Mentor, he imparts invaluable insights to budding talents, guiding them through the intricacies of the art form. His commitment to education extends beyond the classroom, fostering a community of enthusiasts eager to explore the world through the lens. Arpan Kalita, with his unique blend of artistic vision and instructive expertise, continues to inspire and shape the next generation of visual storytellers.
Photography holidays in the picturesque Himalayan highlands with rich immersive experiences of landscapes and culture.
Manish Lakhani
+91 99988 66669Shreeram MV
+91 97400 83260
Thanks Manish for organising a smooth and hassle-free trip as always. Also, thanks to everyone for making it such a memorable experience. Looking forward to meeting you all sometime soon.
Thank You Manish ji for all guidance . This trans will continue next few months with post processing . A very cool trip .
Thanks to everyone on a memorable trip.
It was a very memorable trip - for the mesmerizing theyyams and all you amazing people!
Thank you Manish for all your efforts in arranging this!
Thanks Manish for the great experience at my home town. Learned a lot about Theyyam and Insights on Photography from you. Hope to join more trips with you.It was great experience knowing each of you from different places and countries. We all had a great time.
All good check in as always Manish thanks for the great experience really enjoyed my time.